Chapter 3 Definitions Flashcards
A temperature measured in Kelvins or Rankines
Absolute Temperature
A fuel or oxidizer, often an ignitible liquid intentionally used to initiate a fire or increase the rate of growth or fire spread.
Accelerant
Someone’s or something’s surroundings, especially as they pertain to the local environment; for example, ambient air and ambient temperature.
Ambient
The maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceedings its temperature rating.
Ampacity
The unit of electric current that is equivalent to a flow of one coulomb per second; one coulomb is defined as 6.24 x 10 (18) electrons
Ampere
A high temperature luminous electric discharge across a gap or through a medium such as charred insulation.
Arc
The systematic evaluation of the electrical circuit configuration, spatial relationship of the circuit components, and identification of electrical arc sites to assist in the identification of the area of origin and analysis of the fire’s spread.
Arc Mapping
The location on a conductor with localized damage that resulted from an electrical arc.
Arc Site
Arcing associated with a matrix of charred material (e.g., charred conductor insulation) that acts as a semiconductive medium.
Arcing through char.
A structure, part of a structure, or general geographic location within a fire scene, in which the “point of origin”” of a fire or explosion is reasonably believed to be located.
Area of Origin
A fire pattern displayed on the cross section of burned wooden structural member
Arrow pattern
The crime of maliciously and intentionally, or recklessly, starting a fire or causing an explosion.
Arson
Initiation of combustion by heat but without a spark or flame
Autoignition
The lowest temperature at which a combustible material ignites in air without a spark or flame.
Autoignition temperature.
A deflagration resulting from the sudden introduction of air into a confined space containing oxygen deficient products of incomplete combustion.
Backdraft.
A rounded globule of re-solidified metal at the end of the remains of an electrical conductor that was caused by arcing and is characterized by a sharp line of demarcation between the melted and unmelted conductor surfaces.
Bead
The expanding leading edge of an explosion reaction that separates a major difference in pressure between normal ambient pressure ahead of the front and potentially damaging high pressure at and behind the front.
Blast Pressure Front
Boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion
BLEVE
The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.
Bonding
The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree F at the pressure of 1 atmosphere and temperature of 60 F
British Thermal Unit (Btu)
A fire effect realized in gypsum products, including wallboard, as a result of exposure to heat that drives off free and chemically bound water.
Calcination of Gypsum
The circumstances, conditions, or agencies that brought about or resulted in the fire or explosion incident, damage to property resulting from the fire or explosion incident, or bodily injury or loss of life resulting from the fire or explosion incident.
Cause
A relatively thin layer of flowing hot gases that develops under a horizontal surface as a result of plume impingement and flowing gas being forced to move horizontally.
Ceiling Jet
A buoyant layer of hot gases and smoke produced by a fire in a compartment.
Ceiling Layer